--- title: "Astaxanthin Softgels — Evidence, Benefits & Where to Buy | Magellan" description: "Astaxanthin Softgels — Astaxanthin is a reddish xanthophyll carotenoid produced mainly by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and obtained in the diet…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html" type: "product" section: "Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers" evidence_grade: "Moderate evidence" evidence_tier: "moderate" citations: 22 product_id: 107 price_usd: 26.95 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # Astaxanthin Softgels [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) › Astaxanthin Softgels **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/107 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | Astaxanthin Softgels | | Category | [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) | | Evidence grade | Moderate evidence (B) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 22 | | Typical listed price | $26.95 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Astaxanthin%20Softgels&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 107 | ## What it is Astaxanthin is a reddish xanthophyll carotenoid produced mainly by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and obtained in the diet from salmon, trout, shrimp and krill that accumulate it. It is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that quenches singlet oxygen and scavenges free radicals within cell membranes and modulates redox-sensitive signalling pathways such as NF-κB and Nrf2, thereby influencing oxidative-stress and inflammatory mediators. Commercial supplements typically supply about 4–12 mg per day of the naturally esterified pigment. ## Its role in longevity In humans, randomized trials and meta-analyses most consistently show that astaxanthin lowers the lipid-peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and raises total antioxidant capacity and superoxide-dismutase activity, with additional signals for modest improvements in skin moisture and elasticity, fatigue, and some cognitive and motor measures. The evidence is mixed and limited: meta-analyses of cardiometabolic outcomes find largely neutral-to-modest effects, wrinkle-depth reduction was not significant in meta-analysis, and pooled trials total only hundreds of participants, often from a small set of research groups. Astaxanthin appears well tolerated and biologically active as an antioxidant, but no large trial has tested clinical endpoints, so anti-aging claims beyond skin and oxidative-stress markers are extrapolations. This evidence describes the compound astaxanthin and its mechanisms, not this specific commercial softgel product. ## Evidence grade: Moderate evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **Dose used in studies:** 4–12 mg/day in most human trials. - **What this grade does not say:** Human trials most consistently show lower oxidative-stress markers and modestly better skin moisture and elasticity; metabolic, cognitive, and performance effects are weak and inconsistent. Trials are small and short, and no long-term clinical-endpoint data exist. ## Where it comes from without a bottle Food, exercise and behaviour routes to the same pathway, each with its citation. | Natural source | How it works | Citation | | --- | --- | --- | | Wild salmon & trout | Astaxanthin is the red carotenoid that pigments salmon flesh; wild salmon accumulate it from their diet, making salmon a real (if lower-dose) food source. | Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B 2000 [PMID 11126773](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11126773/) | | Krill, shrimp & shellfish | Krill and other crustaceans are naturally rich in astaxanthin, and krill oil with its astaxanthin reduces oxidative stress and aids muscle recovery in human trials. | European Journal of Nutrition 2022 [PMID 36566465](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36566465/) | ### What those papers actually say 1. **Wild salmon & trout** Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B 2000 · [PMID 11126773](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11126773/) · [DOI 10.1016/s0305-0491(00)00278-9](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0305-0491%2800%2900278-9) > All-E-astaxanthin accumulated selectively in the muscle of salmon... Retention of astaxanthin in salmon muscle was 3.9% in salmon. 2. **Krill, shrimp & shellfish** European Journal of Nutrition 2022 · [PMID 36566465](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36566465/) · [DOI 10.1007/s00394-022-03077-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-03077-6) > Astaxanthin, found in Antarctic KO, is a red carotenoid and powerful antioxidant that inhibits oxidative stress after intense exercise. ## In the news - **Astaxanthin: Benefits, Risks, and Sources** — Healthline 2026 [Read it](https://www.healthline.com/health/health-claims-astaxanthin) > Due to its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin may help to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body, which can support heart and skin health. - **Astaxanthin and Human Health: Evidence on Skin, Vision, Brain, and Aging** — News-Medical 2026 [Read it](https://www.news-medical.net/health/Astaxanthin-and-Human-Health-Evidence-on-Skin-Vision-Brain-and-Aging.aspx) > Human trials report reductions in oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides, alongside increases in endogenous antioxidant defenses, including superoxide dismutase. ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Evidence: raises antioxidant capacity, lowers MDA** Front Endocrinol 2023 · [PMID 37020589](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37020589/) · [DOI 10.3389/fendo.2023.1144323](https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1144323) > Increased serum levels of total antioxidant capacity and SOD were observed after astaxanthin 2. **Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Oxidative Stress** Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2019 · [PMID 30982442](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30982442/) · [DOI 10.1024/0300-9831/a000497](https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000497) > astaxanthin significantly decreased plasma malondialdehyde, increased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity 3. **Astaxanthin supplementation impact on insulin resistance, lipid profile, blood pressure, and oxidative stress: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial** Phytother Res 2023 · [PMID 37874168](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37874168/) · [DOI 10.1002/ptr.8037](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8037) > ASX significantly increased TAC; significant reduction in MDA, alleviating oxidative stress 4. **A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Krill Oil, Astaxanthin, and Oral Hyaluronic Acid Complex on Joint Health in People with Mild Osteoarthritis.** Nutrients 2023 · [PMID 37686801](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37686801/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu15173769](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173769) > These findings suggest that FP-MD is well tolerated and can be effectively used to address joint pain in patients diagnosed with mild osteoarthritis, the main symptom of this condition. 5. **Astaxanthin supplement improves clinical outcomes, quality of life, and inflammatory factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized clinical trial.** Food Funct 2025 · [PMID 40569081](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40569081/) · [DOI 10.1039/d5fo00949a](https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo00949a) > However, no significant differences in the pain intensity and CRP levels were found after controlling for confounding factors (P > 0.05). 6. **Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.** Nutr Res 2021 · [PMID 35091276](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35091276/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.nutres.2021.09.005](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2021.09.005) > Compared with placebo, astaxanthin significantly reduced blood malondialdehyde concentration (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.95; 95% CI, -1.67 to -0.23; P = .01). 7. **Exploring the benefits of astaxanthin as a functional food ingredient: Its effects on oxidative stress and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS - A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.** Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024 · [PMID 39269488](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39269488/) · [DOI 10.1007/s00210-024-03432-w](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03432-w) > The findings indicate that while astaxanthin significantly improves markers of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in follicular fluid, it does not show a consistent effect on other oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), or superoxide dismutase (SOD). 8. **Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on female fertility and reproductive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and animal studies.** J Ovarian Res 2024 · [PMID 39127677](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39127677/) · [DOI 10.1186/s13048-024-01472-7](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-024-01472-7) > The meta-analysis of clinical trials showed that AST significantly increased the oocyte maturation rate (MD: 8.40, 95% CI: 4.57 to 12.23, I: 0%) and the total antioxidant capacity levels in the follicular fluid (MD: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.06, I: 0%). 9. **Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing.** Nutrients 2021 · [PMID 34578794](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34578794/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu13092917](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13092917) > Oral ASX supplementation significantly restored moisture content (SMD = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.05, 1.01; I= 52%;= 0.03) and improved elasticity (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.35; I= 75%;= 0.009) but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth (SMD = -0.26; 95% CI = -0.58, 0.06; I= 0%;= 0.11) compared to placebo. 10. **Astaxanthin Influence on Health Outcomes of Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.** Nutrients 2022 · [PMID 35631193](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35631193/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu14102050](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14102050) > Results show marginal effects of astaxanthin on reduction in total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and a significant attenuating effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 11. **Assessing the Effects of Moderate to High Dosage of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Profile Parameters-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.** Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2025 · [PMID 40872489](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40872489/) · [DOI 10.3390/ph18081097](https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081097) > The meta-analysis concludes positive effects of astaxanthin (6-20 mg/d) on HDL-C (0.4200; 95% CI: 0.1081 to 0.7319) and triglyceride (-0.3058; 95% CI: -0.5138 to -0.0978) levels. 12. **The Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Exercise Recovery Biomarkers and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.** Nutrients 2026 · [PMID 42197030](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42197030/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu18101570](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18101570) > Astaxanthin significantly reduced creatine kinase levels (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.83 to -0.07). Lactate dehydrogenase also favored astaxanthin (SMD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.48), although heterogeneity was substantial. No significant effects were observed for malondialdehyde or interleukin-6. 13. **Carotenoids supplementation and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.** Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021 · [PMID 33998846](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33998846/) · [DOI 10.1080/10408398.2021.1925870](https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1925870) > For the individual carotenoids, astaxanthin, (WMD: -0.30 mg/L, 95% CI: -0.51, -0.09, = 0.005), lutein/zeaxanthin (WMD: -0.30 mg/L, 95% CI: -0.45, -0.15, < 0.001), and β-cryptoxanthin (WMD: -0.35 mg/L, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.15, < 0.001) significantly decreased CRP level. 14. **Impact of astaxanthin on oxidative markers, uric acid, and clinical symptoms in heart failure: a randomized clinical trial.** BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2025 · [PMID 41162864](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41162864/) · [DOI 10.1186/s12872-025-05260-z](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-025-05260-z) > In contrast, the ASX group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in MDA (-2.19 vs. -0.68 nmol/L, P < 0.001) and serum UA levels (-1.82 vs. -0.63 mg/dl, P = 0.003) compared to placebo. 15. **Protective effects of Haematococcus astaxanthin on oxidative stress in healthy smokers.** J Med Food 2011 · [PMID 21883001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21883001/) · [DOI 10.1089/jmf.2011.1626](https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2011.1626) > Compared with baseline, the plasma malondialdehyde and isoprostane levels decreased, whereas superoxide dismutase level and total antioxidant capacity increased in all ASX intervention groups over the 3-week period. 16. **Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults.** Phytother Res 2011 · [PMID 21480416](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21480416/) · [DOI 10.1002/ptr.3494](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3494) > Compared with baseline, the MDA (by 34.6% and 35.2%) and ISP (by 64.9% and 64.7%) levels were significantly lowered, whereas SOD (by 193% and 194%) and TAC (by 121% and 125%) levels were significantly increased in two dose groups after the 3 week intervention. 17. **Astaxanthin Supplementation Increases Glutathione Concentrations but Does Not Impact Fat Oxidation During Exercise in Active Young Men.** Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2021 · [PMID 34611051](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34611051/) · [DOI 10.1123/ijsnem.2021-0138](https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2021-0138) > Astaxanthin supplementation of 6 mg/day for 4 weeks increased whole blood levels of the antioxidant glutathione in active young men but did not affect oxidative stress markers or substrate utilization during exercise. 18. **Effect of antioxidant supplementation on exercise-induced cardiac troponin release in cyclists: a randomized trial.** PLoS One 2013 · [PMID 24260184](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24260184/) · [DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0079280](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079280) > Despite substantial increases in plasma astaxanthin concentrations, astaxanthin supplementation did not improve antioxidant capacity in well-trained cyclists. 19. **Effect of astaxanthin-rich extract derived fromon cognitive function in middle-aged and older individuals.** J Clin Biochem Nutr 2018 · [PMID 29610561](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29610561/) · [DOI 10.3164/jcbn.17-100](https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.17-100) > The astaxanthin group experienced significantly larger increase in blood astaxanthin level than the placebo group. However, there were no significant intergroup differences in the results of the tests. 20. **Astaxanthin supplementation modulates cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in young and aged mice.** Geroscience 2019 · [PMID 30739297](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30739297/) · [DOI 10.1007/s11357-019-00051-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-019-00051-9) > We show that feeding astaxanthin to aged mice for 1 month improves performance on several hippocampal-dependent cognitive tasks and increases long-term potentiation. 21. **The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on obesity, blood pressure, CRP, glycemic biomarkers, and lipid profile: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.** Pharmacological research 2020 · [PMID 32755613](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32755613/) > Across 14 randomized trials, astaxanthin slightly raised HDL-C and lowered CRP only at high doses or longer durations, with no significant effects on weight, blood pressure, glycemic markers, or other lipids. 22. **Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Fatigue, Motor Function and Cognition: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.** Biological research for nursing 2024 · [PMID 38243785](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38243785/) > A meta-analysis of randomized trials reported that astaxanthin supplementation improved fatigue and selected cognitive and motor outcomes. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for Astaxanthin Softgels](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Astaxanthin%20Softgels&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html","name":"Astaxanthin Softgels","description":"Astaxanthin is a reddish xanthophyll carotenoid produced mainly by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and obtained in the diet from salmon, trout,…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Astaxanthin Softgels","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html"}]},{"@type":"Product","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html#product","name":"Astaxanthin Softgels","category":"Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/107.html","description":"Astaxanthin is a reddish xanthophyll carotenoid produced mainly by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and obtained in the diet from salmon, trout, shrimp and krill that accumulate it. 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).